Going against the grain

[SomedayaRN]

I recently had a scenario where I disagreed with my preceptor about a couple of interventions while taking care of "our" patient. Where do we stand as students on disagreements like this? Are we allowed to perform certain interventions if we are sure they are the right ones, even if our preceptor does not fully agree? I know details are not here to give a very good answer, but it was clear the patient needed this intervention, but the preceptor was too lazy to get out of the chair and perform it. I did end up speaking up about why I thought they needed this intervention, and she finally let me do what I thought was needed, but I was criticized for my decision. Isn't it always best to be a patient advocate and give them the necessary treatments or interventions?

[SwansonRN]

Would you be able to elaborate on the situation? It's hard to give an answer to this vague circumstance.

[chrisrn24]

More details please.

[rubato, ASN, RN]

If your preceptor says no, and you feel it's right, you should then talk to your instructor. If she or he then says no, I wouldn't feel comfortable pushing it. We can sometimes get preceptors that have a different way of doing things, or don't agree. But, your instructor should have the same information that you are being taught, and you stand up for you if you are right.

[HappyWife77, BSN, RN]

Ask your instructor. Technically they are responsible for you.....and the staff nurse is responsible for the patient.